Goodman: Marquette targeting Martin

[Eldon]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10694221/cuonzo-martin-target-marquette-golden-eagles

After missing on VCU's Shaka Smart, Marquette has identified Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin as one of its top targets.

Sources told ESPN.com that Martin and former UCLA coach Ben Howland are two top-tier candidates to replace Buzz Williams, who left for Virginia Tech last week. Sources told ESPN.com that Howland is extremely interested in the job while it's unclear whether Martin would seriously entertain discussions from Marquette.

Martin played and was an assistant coach at Purdue before spending three seasons as the head coach at Missouri State. Martin replaced Bruce Pearl in 2011, taking the Vols to a pair of NIT appearances before making the Sweet 16 this season. Tennessee lost to Michigan on Friday night.

Howland took UCLA to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006 to 2008, but was fired after last season and sat out this season.

[HutchwasClutch]

UT barely made the tourney.  I give Martin credit for getting them to last night, but they barely squeaked in the field.  This after two NIT's.

And we're hot for Martin, why exactly? 

Someone please explain this?  He's no more qualified than Wardle.

[RyanConroy]

I'm glad this article puts to rest the foolish thought being floated around that Howland doesn't have interest in the MU position.

[chapman]

UT barely made the tourney.  I give Martin credit for getting them to last night, but they barely squeaked in the field.  This after two NIT's.

And we're hot for Martin, why exactly? 

Someone please explain this?  He's no more qualified than Wardle.

Low expectations and nonsensical attempts at logic.

[HutchwasClutch]

Although his accomplishments pre UT were winning a CollegeInsider.com tournament and an NIT second round loss.

His track record is incredibly mediocre.  No thank-you.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10694221/cuonzo-martin-target-marquette-golden-eagles

Let the games begin!!!  

Looks like they will make an offer to Martin and see where he's at concerning numbers.  My theory is that 1 of 2 things will happen:

1)  Use him as leverage to lower Howland's number
2)  Flat out sign him - if he's interested.  
       My guess is that he takes the job as Tennessee doesn't have much talent left after the seniors leave and       their SF declares for NBA.

If he's not signed by early Monday, then consider Howland the leading candidate and expect a signing next week.  

[Tums Festival]

I'm glad this article puts to rest the foolish thought being floated around that Howland doesn't have interest in the MU position.

Yes, it's good to hear from a national source that Howland is still in the mix.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

UT barely made the tourney.  I give Martin credit for getting them to last night, but they barely squeaked in the field.  This after two NIT's.

And we're hot for Martin, why exactly? 

Someone please explain this?  He's no more qualified than Wardle.

Don't forget that he didn't show up to coach the game last night, until the 2nd half.   

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

OK, outlandish theory with Howland.  Maybe there utilizing the commercial practice of "need three (3) estimates/quotes" before we make a purchase.  

Then again maybe not since SS was apparently a done deal way back in the beginning of the process.

[awilhelmscream]

I'm glad this article puts to rest the foolish thought being floated around that Howland doesn't have interest in the MU position.

I never saw anyone say Howland wasn't interested, just the interest wasn't mutual.

[Earl Tatum]

Someone on a previous blog mentioned----PETE GILLEN, he is a solid coach, would be a darn good fit. Stability.

[HutchwasClutch]

Don't forget that he didn't show up to coach the game last night, until the 2nd half.   

I swear this whole thing is just getting worse by the minute.

Maybe Howland is still in play, if so, good- get either he or Weber in here and stop jerking around w/ the Counzo Martin's of the world.

[madtownwarrior]

Kind of like buzz would not gave made the elite 8 with out a miracle against Davidson?

UT barely made the tourney.  I give Martin credit for getting them to last night, but they barely squeaked in the field.  This after two NIT's.

And we're hot for Martin, why exactly? 

Someone please explain this?  He's no more qualified than Wardle.

[NavinRJohnson]

OK, outlandish theory with Howland.  Maybe there utilizing the commercial practice of "need three (3) estimates/quotes" before we make a purchase.  

Then again maybe not since SS was apparently a done deal way back in the beginning of the process.

Nothing outlandish about it. Of course they have to do that now. Shaka would be the exception because he would have met all the necessary criteria. 3 quotes not necessary in his case.

[NotAnAlum]

Keeping in mind that Martin couldn't even discuss the job leave alone interview until his team was out of the tourney I would expect things to get serious now and fast.  I assume that Jon Harris (who for sure knows Cords well from his time as a player) has been the back channel to get MU interested and assess that there would be interest from Martin.
My best case scenario goes like this: MU would prefer to hire a black HC assuming a guy they believe is qualified is available.  That's Martin.  They want to interview him, ask some tough questions, not the least of which is will you bolt on us in the next 3 years if the Purdue job opens.  At the same time they interview Howland (remember this is my best case scenario).  If Martin passes the interview and accepts the details he gets the job.  If not he uses the interview to pressure Tenn for more security and more $$.  Then they turn and offer the job to Howland.  MU rationalizes "We tried to hire a black HC but it didn't work out".  Having two guys interview and one guy announced a day or so later looks just fine.  Maybe Wardle gets and interview as a courtesy and a marker for next time and more money from UWGB.

[chapman]

Someone on a previous blog mentioned----PETE GILLEN, he is a solid coach, would be a darn good fit. Stability.

He has stability - social security has already kicked in.

[HutchwasClutch]

Kind of like buzz would not gave made the elite 8 with out a miracle against Davidson?

He did make two other Sweet 16's. 

Martin has one post-season run- ONE- thus far in his coaching career at two schools to hang his hat on.

[HutchwasClutch]

Low expectations and nonsensical attempts at logic.

Amen

[NavinRJohnson]

NotAnAlum, I think you have it, I've settled/locked in on that scenario/strategy about 3 days ago, and have seen nothing to change my mind.

[XavierFan]

and shaka lost to Stephen F Austin ... you guys are obsessed with hiring a big name, which I don't understand considering the success MU has had with assistants ...

[HutchwasClutch]

Kind of like buzz would not gave made the elite 8 with out a miracle against Davidson?

Kind of like buzz would not gave made the elite 8 with out a miracle against Davidson?

He did make two other Sweet 16's. 

Martin has one post-season run- ONE- thus far in his coaching career at two schools to hang his hat on.

[Skatastrophy]

That game being played that you guys are talking about? You're not supposed to talk about that game.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Keeping in mind that Martin couldn't even discuss the job leave alone interview until his team was out of the tourney I would expect things to get serious now and fast.  I assume that Jon Harris (who for sure knows Cords well from his time as a player) has been the back channel to get MU interested and assess that there would be interest from Martin.
My best case scenario goes like this: MU would prefer to hire a black HC assuming a guy they believe is qualified is available.  That's Martin.  They want to interview him, ask some tough questions, not the least of which is will you bolt on us in the next 3 years if the Purdue job opens.  At the same time they interview Howland (remember this is my best case scenario).  If Martin passes the interview and accepts the details he gets the job.  If not he uses the interview to pressure Tenn for more security and more $$.  Then they turn and offer the job to Howland.  MU rationalizes "We tried to hire a black HC but it didn't work out".  Having two guys interview and one guy announced a day or so later looks just fine.  Maybe Wardle gets and interview as a courtesy and a marker for next time and more money from UWGB.

when did race have anything to do with this?

[NavinRJohnson]

when did race have anything to do with this?

Is that a serious question?

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Keeping in mind that Martin couldn't even discuss the job leave alone interview until his team was out of the tourney I would expect things to get serious now and fast.  I assume that Jon Harris (who for sure knows Cords well from his time as a player) has been the back channel to get MU interested and assess that there would be interest from Martin.
My best case scenario goes like this: MU would prefer to hire a black HC assuming a guy they believe is qualified is available.  That's Martin.  They want to interview him, ask some tough questions, not the least of which is will you bolt on us in the next 3 years if the Purdue job opens.  At the same time they interview Howland (remember this is my best case scenario).  If Martin passes the interview and accepts the details he gets the job.  If not he uses the interview to pressure Tenn for more security and more $$.  Then they turn and offer the job to Howland.  MU rationalizes "We tried to hire a black HC but it didn't work out".  Having two guys interview and one guy announced a day or so later looks just fine.  Maybe Wardle gets and interview as a courtesy and a marker for next time and more money from UWGB.

Solid analysis - MU is going to weigh the pros and cons.  Seems to me like this is the last candidate they want to feel out before making the final decision.  

Purdue is an interesting question.  Painter has recruited quite well there.  I'm wondering if the past 2 seasons were flukes?  They continue to nab top 100 players in recruiting.  I'm thinking Painter is their awhile as long as he turns it around next season.